Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008

Five who could become candidates to be Clemson's next coach

Jim Grobe, Wake Forest coach

Age: 56

If you cannot beat them, have them join you. Few coaches in the country can claim they do more with less.

Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt coach

Age: 57

He’s a Clemson alumus (1973) who has rebuilt the Commodores from the ashes. Would not be a splashy hire, but his academic track record fits president James Barker’s mold.

Will Muschamp, Texas defensive coordinator

Age: 37

An intense, vocal figure — in other words, the anti-Bowden — who has produced top-notch, physical defenses at Auburn and Texas. Figures to be the most sought-after assistant in the college ranks this offseason.

Gary Patterson, Texas Christian coach

Age: 48

Clemson athletics director Terry Don Phillips likes Southwestern guys, and Patterson has built a reputation as a winner with a physical, hard-nosed style

Dabo Swinney, Clemson interim coach

Age: 38

Has more potential staying power than your average interim appointment. Gained a great deal of respect from the administration as the football team liaison during last year’s rift with an academic review board.

— Paul Strelow